Nice start to the season where everyone got off the right foot and with Tsimikas having a point to prove in place of the injured Robertson. Liverpool once again, made pretty comfortable work of Norwich for successive encounters on opening days with a cool 0-3 victory. Not all is perfect though, and I'll say why in the ratings.
Alisson Becker - 8.5 / 10
Had little to do throughout the game but his alertness is why he's in the books for a good while longer. That triple save when Norwich were seeking a consolation goal late in the game. Something any Red would just have their jaws drop really and other keepers would simply struggle especially at near point blank range.
Trent Alexander Arnold - 7.5/10
Still the typical Alexander-Arnold but his defensive work is improving steadily. Combined well with Tsimikas.
Kostantinos Tsimikas - 8.5 / 10
He was Liverpool's best player during the pre-season and made this game pretty comfortable for him. Can be a bit sloppy sometimes but for someone to start a league game for the first time in a while, few would complain as otherwise he was industrious in attack. And though didn't get the assist, he set up for Mo's goal which eventually went in from a corner.
Virgil Van Dijk - 7/10
It was nice to finally give a full game for Van Dijk to try as he didn't manage to connect a full game this whole preseason ever since coming back from his major injury. No issues with him. Give him abit of time, and his sharpness will only start increasing abit more.
Joel Matip - 7.5/10
Could have fared abit better of stopping some of the Norwich attacks however, the typical Van Dijk and Matip partnership remained ultimately comfortable. Could have gotten a goal added which would have been nice, bummer from the corner.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 6/10
It's just not really working out for him to be part of an attacking midfield style, let alone trying to groom him to be a Number 9. Was almost practically missing all day long. Just doesn't fit in the system to justify his high price we bought him for 5 seasons ago.
Naby Keita - 6.5 / 10
Not much better than Oxlade but at least he tries for it.
James Milner - 8 / 10
Not the best of nights, but he dictated well in an unusual DM role. And for him to cover more blades of grass than any other player in all teams in the premier league during this matchday (fun fact, 12.65 clicks or kilometers) speaks volumes of his endurance. Cause' put it plain, Jimmy ain't slowing down like how fine wine should be.
Diogo Jota - 8/10
Good start by opening his 21/22 account and taken his goal very well. He had been on fire since returning from injury at the closing stages of last season, along with a few more Euro 2020 goals along the way, and stil maintaining his momentum. Would be nice to see him along with any of our front 3 fight for the golden boot.
Mo Salah - 9 / 10
5 Opening Games, each scored by Salah, record breaker. Need we say more? Couldn't score in pre-seasons but this time it paid off. Last year 3 goal contributions, this time same, with 2 assists, nicely unselfish and one bloody cracking goal as a reward for his efforts and was a constant menace and a huge threat to Norwich's goal with each time getting closer to closer to scoring till that goal happened from a set piece.
Sadio Mane - 7.5 / 10
Not as prolific as the other forwards but did allow the attack to flow nicely when needed, combined well with Tsimikas and occasionally does switcheroo between the center to the left. Could have scored but luckily his blocked shot was collected by Salah to tees it back to Firmino.
SUBSTITUTES
Fabinho - 59"over Oxlade, 7
Shored up the midfield in the middle of the park and gave that much needed presence needed
Roberto Firmino - 59" over Diogo Jota, 8
Instant impact once he came on and allowed the floodgates of Norwich to open. Took his goal extremely well after getting fed by Mo Salah and allowed Mane to stay towards the center.
Harvey Elliott - 82" over Keita, NR.
Came in too late to make any impact but at least he got some minutes in the tank. For now he'll be used in a similar role as Keita as a Number 8.
Summary:
Although 3-0 would seem like a cool comfortable scoreline, the weakness lies in the midfield. So even though still early this season, should still sign another midfielder to help. Another Striker or forward won't hurt either because we need to take into account that we may be without the Brazilian boys to quarantine after international duty, as well as Salah and Mane and Keita in AFCON.
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